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Featured Artist: Double Forte
CD Title: Souporsalad
Year: 2000
Record Label: eKagouri (Mainstream Interactive)
Style: Fusion
Musicians: Eddie Kim (guitars, electric & acoustic), Bob Pape (bass), Dale Wilson (drums), and Shyam Vai (keyboards).
Review: Double Forte is filled with inspiration and enthusiasm. After a few years Chicago jazz and rock scene prior to that, they concentrated on their international exposure this time. This disc was remixed and enhanced for Asian and European market with a few live tracks as CD/DVD format.
Double Forte’s brand of fusion incorporates rock, jazz and lots of energy throughout. With the first three tracks ("Souporsalad," "Where is Bruce Lee," and Chick Corea cover "Light Years"), they’re up to lay down the powerful groove. Eddie Kim (guitar) takes the cake and runs with it. "Square" begins with a pensive sentiment, but the ensemble drives up to beautiful melodic mode. Through various movements from mellow to up-tempo, he tributes those who suffered there and reflects on the town's evolution.
Ranging from the influence of Steve Smith’s Vital Information in "Island Holiday," to contemporary jazz, the band soaks up life's experiences and paints many aural pictures for the listener. All members of the band invite you along on the journey. Pay attention to the last minutes’ interplay in between guitar and sax, performed by Tommy Bradford, backed with some hard drumming and slapping bass that kicks hard, demanding your attention. "Funk this," inspired by a Bob Pape (bass) is very systematic funky and bluesy with tremendous bass technique.
The disc has variety to offer, but consistency. Double Forte bursts with musical power and wants you to be a part of it. He's been with the best of the jazz and fusion genre and obviously intends to reign supreme in his own way.
Reviewed by: K. H. Kim, Chief Editor, MMJAZZ Magazine, Seoul, Korea
- MMJAZZ Magazine
Discography
CD/DVD Souporsalad - 2000
CD Double Forte - 2005
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Bio
In the spring of 1996, through the local music scene, the Chicago based Instrumental band Double Forte was formed. Guitarist Eddie Kim, (who received his Bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University) met drummer Dale Wilson, who graduated from Musicians Institute (P.I.T) in LA. Before the band was conceived, it was obvious that the two shared the same musical interests and goals. They both believed the music they had in mind was worth trying out live as well as a studio project. This led them to seek out a Bass Player and Keyboardist to complete the band.
Eddie brought into the band bassist Bob Pape, who studied at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and received his Bachelors degree in Music Education at Roosevelt University. The three of them decided to put together a handful of compositions, both originals and covers that would best express their identity.
After a few personnel changes, the band is now Eddie, Dale, Bob, and Indian keyboardist, Shyam Vai. Shyam brings with him years of playing experience in diverse music styles and a strong background of Indian Music. The band is a blend of diverse styles that creates the sounds of Rock, Fusion, Funk, Blues, Jazz and various other genres to create their own unique style. All members are able to show and express their skills through the music.
The band released their first CD, "Souporsalad"(one word) under their own label “Mainstream Interactive Media.” An Asian music publishing Co/Label, MonkMonk also released 5000 copies of their CD in Feb 2000. That same year the band was named, “Top Instrumental Rock Band” with the tune, “Island Holiday.” Double Forte has been performing in and around Chicago for the last 8 years. Their CD and performances have been received favorably and they have started their own following which they hope will grow for years to come. They are looking forward to their 2nd CD project in the Spring of 2005.
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